My directory showing in the list to be reported?

[stangparts]

So my directory makes it in the list and is now showing as being reported for an invalid link or as a paid directory which it is neither.

I would however like to clear this issue up.

There is no charge to submit a quality site without stuffing a bunch of keywords in the description. There is a place for keywords, it says "keywords" on the submission form. Please take the time to write a description that means something, if I can take the time to review your submission (and tweak them if I have to) I feel it is only fair to conform to the submission guidelines.

You must validate your e-mail address by clicking on the link sent via e-mail.

We currently are not accepting e-mail addresses from Google or from Yahoo as our e-mails have NEVER been validated through either mail provider.


I try to be fair about all of my rejected sites, I do however try to keep it a decent directory that may be useful and not full of garbage like some of the directories. Take a couple of extra minutes to adhere to the submission guidelines and I will take the couple extra minutes to make sure your submission is approved.

If you feel that your site has been rejected unfairly please use the "contact" form and I will be happy to review it again and/or tell you why it was rejected.


Thanks
www.linkexchangesystems.com

[snowbird]

Stangparts, first let me tell you that if your directory is reported that does not mean it will be removed from the directory list. There are plenty of new people that come to the list and click report to see what it does. I display the report to my visitors as a courtesy only. It's their choice if they wish to skip that directory and not submit to it. Once a reported directory is verified as bad (paid, parked domain, hosting down, etc.) it is removed from the list. If all goes through fine, and the directory meets my guidelines, then it is "unreported."

If I could only figure out a way to code a method to deduct a nickel from their paypal account for false reports I would be rich. Seriously, dealing with the reported directories is the most time consuming part of running this list. But it helps to make sure that bad directories are quickly identified and removed. And I publicly thank those that take the time to report the bad directories. It allows me to focus more time on finding additional free directories.

Secondly, I run a directory myself and do submit sites to this list, admittedly not as much as I used to. There are times I will submit a good resource that is not mine to see if the directory is flat out rejecting all free listings. It happens alot, but mostly on older directories that just happen to have high PR. Should I find a directory that is rejecting all free listings, it will be permanently removed from the list and never return.

Regarding the submitters E-mail address... If you are rejecting submissions because they used an E-mail address from Yahoo or Google, it might help to state that on your submission form. Rules, guidelines, etc. on free directories are rarely read. People submit and move along.

My personal opinion regarding the use of Yahoo or Google E-mail addresses is that you should reconsider your verification method. Talk to your host if your E-mail is ending up in the submitters junk folder as it may be a problem with the server's smtp configuration. Contact Google and Yahoo to whitelist your domain. The bottom line is that people use free E-mail accounts to submit because some directories (iEntry network directories mainly) will bombard them with spam. Submitters use free E-mail accounts for their protection and that should be considered and understood by many.

I checked the list and your directory is still listed. This does not guarantee it will remain listed. Continued reports are an indicator my visitors have a problem with a directory, and I may eventually remove it.

I hope this response clears up any confusion regarding the status of your directory in my list.

Happy Holidays! :)

[stangparts]

I do thank you for your response,
When I said we do not accept Google and Yahoo e-mail I mean the form should not allow submission with those e-mail accounts. I do understand the logistics of using free e-mail accounts but I get bombarded by India all day long with submissions using e-mail addresses like bob[at]goolge.com. The reason for e-mail confirmation is to keep these submissions out of the directory. I don't require registration, I allow free submission without reciprocal, I don't bombard anyone with ads, pop ups, or anything of that nature. I started this directory with the purpose of allowing users to gain some of the things they need.

Once again I thank you for your response, I raised this point not to throw stones....I raised this point because this site is a very good source of traffic to my site and when it dropped I went checking it out. I figured if I spelled it out that maybe people would understand how to get their submission approved.

[snowbird]

All is good stangparts. :)

I understand the need to maintain editorial standards and your desire to reduce spammy submissions. My only suggestion would be to tell people up front that you do not accept a submitters E-mail from Google or Yahoo, much like you have done in highlighting "a validation E-mail will be sent to this address." This might help to minimize your directory being reported in my list and the various other lists you are in. But if it writes that error to the screen, then that may be good enough for submitters.

You have a nice directory and it appears you are on the right track with proper editing. It's much easier to do from the start, that's for sure. If you are interested, you may want to read this thread (http://forums.vmoptions.com/showthread.php?t=226). You may find a few tips in there useful which will help you reduce duplicate content and provide more value to those sites listed.

Happy Holidays! :)